Apparatus and System for Carrying a Digital Media Player

ABSTRACT

Headgear which includes a pocket for securing a media player to the interior of the headgear. The pocket defines at least one opening configured for receiving the media player. In one embodiment, the headgear includes controls for operating the media player while the headgear is being worn.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and system forcarrying a media player and, more particularly, to an apparatus andsystem for carrying a media player atop a user's head.

BACKGROUND

Thanks in part to digital media players such as Apple's iPod™ andMicrosoft's Zune™, individuals in modern society have access to moremedia: music, movies, TV shows, and books, than at any other time inhistory. These devices store large volumes of media in digital formatson increasingly smaller devices allowing a user of the digital mediaplayer access to a wide variety of media in seemingly any location.Despite their small size, use of digital media players do create someproblems for the user. For example, the digital media player may hinderthe user's ability to multi-task. In operation, it is often necessary toset the digital media player on a nearby surface so that the user mayperform another function that requires both hands. In doing so, thedigital media player limits the user's range of motion to the radius ofthe headphones or speakers. In addition, the wires of the headphones mayinterfere with the user's other tasks. Furthermore, if the user wishesto leave the particular area in which he/she is using the digital mediaplayer, the user must pick up and carry the digital media player with ahand, further limiting the ability of the user to multitask while usingthe digital media player.

Many devices have been developed to solve these problems. In oneexample, clothing with attachment locations for the digital media playerallows the user to wear the digital media player. However, the digitalmedia player is difficult to control through clothing. In addition, useof wired headphones with such articles of clothing necessitate that awire travel up the user's neck to the user's ears. Users find thisuncomfortable, and if the wire becomes pinched, any movement by the userwill jerk the headphones from the user's ears causing the user pain andfrustration.

Other devices attempt to solve these problems by placing the digitalmedia player in the user's headgear. Some headgear devices sufferproblems in that they even permanently attach the digital media playerto the headgear. Permanent attachment to the headgear makes it virtuallyimpossible to use the digital media player without wearing the headgear.Furthermore, permanent attachment to the headgear renders it difficultto add or remove media from the digital media player. Modern headgeardevices for carrying a digital media player are often also placed in asuch a way as to make wearing the device uncomfortable to the user. Forexample, many devices of this type place the media player along theheadband of the headgear, decreasing the area in which the user mayplace his/her head. In headgear of a fitted variety, this will causediscomfort to the user. Furthermore, it places additional pressure onthe digital media player, increasing the likelihood of digital mediaplayer failure or operation of the digital media player in an undesiredmanner. Still other headgear devices place the digital media playeralong the headgear headband at the back of the user's head preventingthe user from lying down while using the device. This limits theactivities in which the user may participate while using the device. Forexample, many weightlifting exercises require the user to lay down whileexercising, placing the weight of the user's head directly onto thedigital media player further increasing the likelihood of digital mediaplayer failure.

Therefore, what is needed is a system and an apparatus for carrying amedia player that overcomes the problems of prior art devices.

SUMMARY

The present invention, accordingly, provides an apparatus for carrying amedia player, such as a digital media player, the apparatus comprisingheadgear and a pocket secured on the interior of the headgear forsecuring the media player. The pocket has an interior and an exterior,and a means for attaching said pocket to a head covering. The pocketalso includes at least one pocket opening.

The disclosed embodiments also provide a system for carrying a digitalmedia player comprising a head covering having an exterior and aninterior, and a digital media player. The system also includes a pocketfor securing the digital media player attached to the head covering, thepocket having an exterior and an interior. The pocket includes at leastone pocket opening. The system also comprises controls for operating thedigital media player, the controls accessible while said head coveringcovers a head.

The disclosed embodiments also provide a method for producing a digitalmedia player carrying device comprising the steps of providing a headcovering, and providing a pocket for storing a digital media player. Themethod continues by attaching the pocket to the head covering at adesired location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and theadvantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptionstaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating exemplary elements of an apparatusembodying features of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is a plan view illustrating an alternate embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating exemplary elements of an alternativeapparatus embodying the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the alternative apparatus of FIG. 3 takenalong line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 illustrates a high-level flowchart embodying exemplary steps ofthe present invention;

FIG. 6 exemplifies an alternate embodiment of the invention, taken alongthe line 6-6 of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 7 exemplifies a further alternate embodiment of the invention,taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The making and using of the presently preferred embodiments arediscussed in detail below. It should be appreciated, however, that thepresent invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that canbe embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specificembodiments discussed are merely illustrative of specific ways to makeand use the invention, and do not limit the scope of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a head covering 100 exemplifying oneof the disclosed embodiments. As illustrated, the head covering 100comprises a ball cap having a cap 102 and a bill 101 extending from afrontal portion of the cap 102. By way of example, but not limitation,the head covering 100 may include, in addition to a baseball cap, acowboy hat, a helmet, a fez, a turban, a wig, and the like effective forcovering a user's head. The cap 102 defines an interior 104 and anexterior 103 (FIG. 2).

A pocket 105 defining at least one opening (discussed in further detailbelow) is preferably detachably attached to the interior 104 of the headcovering 100 by way of a hook and loop material, such as Velcro®,positioned between the pocket 105 and the interior 104. Alternatively,the pocket may be attached to the interior 104 by other suitable means,such as fabric glue, stitching, and the like, effective for attachingthe pocket 105 to any type of head covering 100.

Preferably, the pocket 105 is located proximate to the center of theinterior 104, aligning the pocket 105 over the top of a user's head whenthe head covering 100 is worn. The pocket 105 is preferably suitablysized for holding a media player 120, such as a digital media player,such as an Apple iPod™, Microsoft Zune™, or other similar device. Inaddition, the pocket 105 is preferably fabricated from a materialresistant to water. In the illustrated embodiment, the pocket 105comprises two layers of a water-resistant material, such aswater-resistant canvas or synthetics, or any suitable material effectivefor containing the media player 120 while resisting water orperspiration penetration into the area in which the medial player 120rests. The pocket 105 may also be fabricated from an elastic natural orsynthetic material that would allow the pocket 105 to stretch toaccommodate varying sizes of the media player 120 while also exerting acompressive force against the media player 120, thereby securing themedia player 120 within the pocket 105.

Placement of the pocket 105 and the media player 120 directly over theuser's head when the user wears the head covering 100 provides acomfortable and protected location for wearing the digital media player120. At this location, the media player 120 does not cause discomfort tothe user or place additional pressure on the user's head at lining 111where the head covering 100 secures to the user's head. In addition,placement of the pocket 105 and the digital media player 120 directlyover the user's head when the user wears the head covering 100 places noadditional pressure on the media player 120 as is the case in prior artmethods. This significantly decreases the likelihood that the mediaplayer 120 will fail or operate in an undesired manner. Furthermore,placement of the pocket 105 and the media player 120 directly over theuser's head avoids areas of high user perspiration concentration. Theseareas are typically located along the lining 111 where the head covering100 grips or secures to the user's head. Furthermore, placement of thepocket 105 over the top of the user's head allows the user to performtasks utilizing both hands without interference from dangling wiredearphones, and it allows use of the media player 120 free from thelimitations of prior art devices and methods.

The pocket 105 defines an opening 106 allowing for insertion and removalof the digital media player 120 from within the pocket 105. The opening106 optionally comprises at least one fastener 114, including but notlimited to Velcro®, snaps, or the like, for at least partially closing arespective opening. The at least one fastener 114 provides additionalstabilization and security of the media player 120 in the pocket 105.Furthermore, as illustrated, the at least one fastener 114 at theopening 106 covers only a portion of the opening 106, providing anopening for the passage of one or more wires or other device into andout of the pocket 105. One skilled in the art will appreciate thatalternative embodiments may not include this opening and arecontemplated and incorporated by the disclosed embodiments. In theillustrated embodiment, the opening 106 includes the portion uncoveredby the fastener allowing earphones 109, including ear buds, headphones,and the like, to pass from inside of the pocket 105 to outside of thepocket 105. In this manner, the head covering 100 may be worn with thebill 101 extending over the user's face, or over the back of the user'sneck without compromising the usability of the disclosed embodiments.

The earphones 109 preferably include two earphones coupled via wires 110to the media player 120. The wires 110 are preferably positioned withinthe lining 111 that comprises a portion of the interior 104. The wires110 pass from the interior 104 of the head covering 100 to the exterior103 of the head covering 100 through at least one hole 112 for eachearphone. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one hole 112comprises two holes allowing each earphone 109 to pass through aseparate hole 112. Excess portions of the wires 110 are optionallysecured by a securing mechanism 113, such as ties, additional pockets,or Velcro® strips, located within the head covering 100 or on the pocket105. One skilled in the art will understand that the apparatus may beused with alternative earphones 109, including but not limited towireless headphones, or wired headphones connected by a securing band,and the like. In alternative forms, the wires 110 may or may not passfrom the interior 104 of the head covering 100 to the exterior 103 ofthe head covering 100 through holes 112, these alternative forms arecontemplated and included herein as part of the disclosed embodiments.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a perspective view of theexterior 103 of head covering 100 of FIG. 1. In the illustratedembodiment, the exterior 103 preferably comprises an on/off button 131,next/fast forward button 132, and last/rewind button 133. Placement ofthe controls 131, 132, 133 coincides with the placement of the mediaplayer 120 within the pocket 105 such that the user may operate themedia player 120 utilizing the controls 131, 132, 133. One skilled inthe art will recognize that any suitable means for controlling the mediaplayer 120 from outside of the pocket 105 are contemplated and includedherein as part of the disclosed embodiments. In an alternativeembodiment, the controls 131, 132, 133 are located on the wires 110 orthe earphones 109 and include more or fewer controls than thosedescribed herein as necessary to appropriately operate the digital mediaplayer 120. Preferably, the location of the controls 131, 132, 133comprises a location of comfort to the user. For example, as illustratedin FIG. 2 the controls 131, 132, 133 comprise a location near theportion of the pocket 105 located at the greatest distance from the bill101.

FIG. 2A exemplifies a head covering 200 as an alternative embodiment 200of the head covering 100 of FIG. 1. As depicted therein, the headcovering 200 is similar to the head covering 100, but for theorientation of the media player 120 which oriented 180° from that shownin FIG. 1. Accordingly, the opening 106 is proximate to the bill 101 andthe wires 110 preferably run from the media player 120 along the frontportion of the liner 111 to respective holes 112.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a head covering 200 exemplifying analternative embodiment. As illustrated therein, the head covering 200comprises a fishing hat having a bill 201 and a cap 202. The cap 202 hasan exterior 203 (FIG. 4) and an interior 204. The interior 204 comprisesa portion of the cap 202 in contact with the object on which the headcovering 200 rests.

The pocket 105, defining at least one opening 106, is attached to theinterior 204 near a center of the interior 204. In the illustratedembodiment, the at least one opening 106 is oriented toward the rear ofthe head covering 200. The rear of the head covering 200 comprises thatportion of the head covering 200 intended to cover the back of a user'shead. The opening 106 comprises the fastener 114, such as Velcro® orsnaps for at least partially closing the opening. One skilled in the artwill understand that the fastener 114 on the opening 106 is optional andmay or may not be incorporated in any one embodiment. The fastener 114provides additional stabilization and security of the media player 120in the pocket 105. Furthermore, as illustrated, the fastener at thefirst opening 106 covers only a portion of the first opening 106,providing an opening for the passage of a wire or other device into thepocket 105. One skilled in the art will understand that alternativeembodiments do not include this opening, and are contemplated by thedisclosed embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the first opening106 includes the portion uncovered by the fastener 114 allowingearphones 109 to pass from inside of the pocket 105 to outside of thepocket 105.

In one embodiment, the earphones 109 are coupled via wires 110 to themedia player 120. The wires 110 are placed within a lining 211 thatcomprises a portion of the interior 204. The wires 110 preferably passfrom the interior 204 of the head covering 200 to the exterior 203 ofthe head covering 200 through at least one hole 212. In the illustratedembodiment, the at least one hole 212 is depicted as three holes, onelocated at the rear of the head covering 200, and one each located ateach side of the head covering 200. The side of the head covering 200comprises those portions intended to coincide with a wearer's ear when auser wears the head covering 200. The three holes 212 allow the wires110 to pass from the interior 204 of the head covering 200 to theexterior 203 of the head covering 200, and then pass from the exterior203 of the head covering to the interior 204 of the head covering,allowing each of the earphones 109 to be proximate to each of a user'sears. Excess portions of the wires 110 are preferably secured by asecuring mechanism 213, such as ties, or additional pockets locatedwithin the head covering 200.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown an elevation view of theexterior 203 of head covering 200 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3. In theillustrated embodiment, the exterior 203 comprises on/off button 231,next/fast forward button 232, and last/rewind button 233, collectivelycontrols 230. Placement of the controls 230 coincides with the placementof the media player 120 such that the user may operate the digital mediaplayer 120 utilizing the controls 230. One skilled in the art willrecognize that any suitable means for controlling the media player 120from outside of the pocket 105 are contemplated and included herein aspart of the disclosed embodiments.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a flow chart illustratingoperative steps of a method for producing a device for carrying adigital media player. The process begins at step 505, wherein the methodprovides a suitable head covering as described above with respect toFIG. 1. In step 510, a pocket, such the pocket 105, is provided forstoring a media player 120. The process concludes at step 515 where thepocket is attached to the head covering by any suitable means, asdescribed above with respect to FIG. 1. In this manner a user mayproduce a device for carrying a digital media player as described hereinutilizing any head covering the user desires.

In alternative embodiments, the pocket 105 may be sized to accommodatedifferent types and sizes of media players. By way of example, withreference to FIG. 6, at least one first strip of Velcro® 602 is securedto the interior 104 of the head covering 102, the media player 120 issuitably positioned on the first strip 602, and a complementary (i.e.,hook or loop) second piece of Velcro® 604 is laid over first strip 602,thereby securing the media player between the first and second strips ofVelcro®, the space occupied by the media player 120 forming a pocket 605analogous to the pocket 105 (FIG. 1). In this manner, the pocket 105 mayaccommodate varying sizes of the digital media player 120.Alternatively, the strip 602 secured to the interior of the headcovering 102 may comprise a single swatch of Velcro® which may or maynot define an opening for the media player 120.

By way of a further example of an alternative embodiment, and withreference to FIG. 7, a wrap 702 is secured to the interior 104 of thehead covering 102. The wrap 702 includes Velcro® hook material on afirst side 702 a and a complementary Velcro® loop material on a secondside 702 b. The media player 120 is positioned on the wrap 702 and thewrap is wrapped to envelope the media player, and secured thereto viathe hook and loop material.

Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments provide numerous benefits overprior art methods of carrying a digital media player. For example, thedisclosed embodiments provide an apparatus for carrying a digital mediaplayer that allows independent use of a user's headphones or ear budsfree from attachment to a head covering. In addition, the disclosedembodiments provide an apparatus for carrying a digital media playerthat may be used while the user is sweaty, the user is multi-tasking, orthe user is lying down. Finally, the disclosed embodiments provide anapparatus for carrying a digital media player such that the digitalmedia player may easily be controlled while in operation, and easilyremoved at the user's leisure.

It is understood that the present invention may take many forms andembodiments. Accordingly, several variations may be made in theforegoing without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.For example, the pocket may be located on the interior or exterior ofthe head covering, the pocket may be located near the center of the headcovering or off of center of the head covering, and/or, when the headcovering is a “baseball cap” style of head covering, as exemplified inFIGS. 1-2A, the pocket may be located on the bill of the head covering.Still further, a pocket may be formed on a shirt of a user, the pocketbeing located, for example, proximate to the front or back side of theneckline of the shirt, and being configured as described above forreceiving a media player. In addition, a wide variety of listeningdevices, such as wireless headphones, wired headphones joined by asecuring band, wireless speakers, or Bluetooth™ supported car stereoequipment may be used with the apparatus. Still further, the controlsmay comprise buttons, a clear plastic window, an opening exposing thedigital media player's controls, or other controlling mechanism.

Having thus described the present invention by reference to certain ofits preferred embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments disclosedare illustrative rather than limiting in nature and that a wide range ofvariations, modifications, changes, and substitutions are contemplatedin the foregoing disclosure and, in some instances, some features of thepresent invention may be employed without a corresponding use of theother features. Many such variations and modifications may be consideredobvious and desirable by those skilled in the art based upon a review ofthe foregoing description of preferred embodiments. Accordingly, it isappropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in amanner consistent with the scope of the invention.

1. An apparatus for carrying a media player, the apparatus comprising: apocket configured for receiving and securing a media player; and meansfor attaching said pocket to a head covering.
 2. The apparatus of claim1 further comprising said head covering to which said pocket isattached.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising said headcovering to which said pocket is attached, said head covering includingat least one control for operating said media player, said at least onecontrol being accessible while said head covering covers a head.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising said head covering to whichsaid pocket is attached, said head covering including at least onecontrol for operating said media player, said at least one control beingaccessible while said head covering covers a head, said at least onecontrol further including buttons located on the exterior of said headcovering, said buttons corresponding to at least one control on saidmedia player.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising said headcovering to which said pocket is attached, said head covering includingat least one control for operating said media player, said at least onecontrol being accessible while said head covering covers a head, said atleast one control comprising an opening in said head covering exposingat least one control of said media player.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1further comprising: said head covering, said pocket being affixed to theinterior of said head covering; at least one earphone; wires couplingsaid at least one earphone to said media player; and wherein said headcovering defines at least one opening through which said wires pass fromsaid media player positioned within the interior of said head coveringto said at least one earphone located externally of said head covering.7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said pocket is fabricated from awater resistant material.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidpocket is fabricated from an elastic material capable effective forstretching to accommodate said media player.
 9. The apparatus of claim1, wherein said pocket comprises a wrap configured for enveloping saidmedia player, said wrap further including a hook and loop material forsecuring said wrap about said media player.
 10. The apparatus of claim1, wherein said at least one pocket opening comprises securing means forsecuring said media player in said pocket, said securing means definingan opening for the passage of wires extending from said media playersecured within said pocket to earphones located externally of saidpocket.
 11. A system for carrying a media player comprising: a headcovering; a media player; a pocket configured for securing said mediaplayer to the interior of said head covering; and at least one controlfor operating said media player, said at least one control beingaccessible from an exterior side of said head covering while said headcovering covers a head.
 12. The system of claim 11 further comprising:at least one earphone; wires for coupling said at least one earphone tosaid media player; and wherein said head covering defines at least oneopening for allowing said wires to pass from said media playerpositioned within the interior of said head covering to said earphoneslocated externally of said head covering.
 13. The system of claim 11further comprising: at least one earphone; and wires for coupling saidat least one earphone to said media player, said at least one controlfor operating said media player being positioned on said wires.
 14. Thesystem of claim 11 further comprising: at least one earphone; wires forcoupling said at least one earphone to said media player; and whereinsaid head covering defines at least one opening for allowing said wiresto pass from said media player positioned within the interior of saidhead covering to said earphones located externally of said headcovering.
 15. The system of claim 11, wherein said at least one controlcomprises buttons positioned on said head covering, said buttonscorresponding to an operating mechanism on said media player.
 16. Thesystem of claim 11, wherein said at least one control defines an openingin said head covering exposing an operating mechanism on said mediaplayer.
 17. The system of claim 11, wherein said pocket comprises amelastic material effective for stretching to accommodate said digitalmedia player.
 18. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least onepocket opening comprises securing means for securing said media playerin said pocket, said securing means defining an opening for the passageof wires extending from said media player secured within said pocket toearphones located externally of said pocket.
 19. The system of claim 1,wherein said pocket comprises a wrap configured for enveloping saidmedia player, said wrap further including a hook and loop material forsecuring said wrap about said media player.
 20. A method for producing adevice for carrying a media player, the method comprising a step ofattaching a pocket to an interior portion of a head covering, saidpocket being sized for receiving said media player and securing saidmedia player to said interior portion of a head covering.